Drug interactions
Buprenorphine long-acting + Efavirenz
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine long-acting and Efavirenz: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs may prolong the QT interval, so concurrent use can add to arrhythmia risk. Efavirenz may also reduce buprenorphine exposure, which could lessen the effect of the depot injection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine long-acting and Efavirenz can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation and efavirenz induction of CYP3A4-mediated buprenorphine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for withdrawal symptoms and craving, and obtain an ECG in patients with other QT risk factors. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine long-acting with Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine long-acting and Efavirenz can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both drugs may prolong the QT interval, so concurrent use can add to arrhythmia risk. Efavirenz may also reduce buprenorphine exposure, which could lessen the effect of the depot injection.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine long-acting and Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for withdrawal symptoms and craving, and obtain an ECG in patients with other QT risk factors. Correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia.
What other medicines interact with Efavirenz?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Efavirenz with, for example, Cobimetinib, Dienogest / estradiol valerate, Dihydroergotamine intranasal. The full list is on the Efavirenz page.
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